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Malaysia

Capital:Kuala Lumpur; note - nearby Putrajaya is referred to as a federal government administrative center but not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur
Population:33.6M
Currency:Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Language:Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese dialects (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai
Flower petal grows in Kuala Lumpur

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Malaysia.

Malaysia Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

A person's ancestral background is often important to social status and future opportunities.

Flower petal grows in Kuala Lumpur

Fireflies of the Equator

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5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day/Malaysia Day

    8/31

    Independence

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    In traditional Malay language, the greeting for the season is “Selamathari natal,” pronounced “se-lah-mat ha-ri nut-all. Santa Claus is a prominent figure when celebrating Christmas. To the local Malay children he is called Sinterklas, pronounced ‘sin-tur-class’or in some cases where he is known as Grandfather Frost he is called kakekembunbeku, pronounced ‘ka-kekem-bun be-coo.” Little children believe that when Santa passes by their homes on Christmas Eve and notices how good they have been, he would leave a toy or chocolate in their stockings. The presence of Santa Claus tries to diminish the holiday to a secular rather than religious holiday so people of different religions can celebrate it.

    Christmas usually starts with the traditional four week before Christmas Advent masses. These are usually traditional masses wherein a priest lights up a candle for every week preceding the Christmas Eve celebrations. The tradition is set to prepare the Christian followers for the coming of Christ the King. The local retail stores also take this time to decorate their windows and shelves with. The festivities end when the New Year celebrations come to a close.

    During the Advent wreath ceremonies, wherein each candle lighted represents Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The final candle which is in the middle is lighted on Christmas Eve to bring the ceremony to a climax. Christmas Eve traditions include the midnight masses that are attended by the Christian followers. Tradition also includes a Nativity play that is held before the mass to portray the scenes of Christ’s birth.

    Christmas carols and hymns are heard everywhere as they celebrate the birth of Christ. During Christmas Day the celebrations are more solemn and usually begin with a morning mass. After which the family would gather and prepare a feast that is similar to the Malay concept of ‘rumahterbuka’ or open house. The feast would include dishes of roast pork, roast turkey, apple pies, meat dishes, fruit cakes and the local delicacy known as Beef Rendang.

    Most Christmas carols are written and sung in English which is a language that is widely used in the country. Christmas tree traditions are also part of the festival with trees made of plastic and decorated with ornaments such as candy canes and little Santa figurines that are either made of ceramic or cloth.

Dates of Interest

  • July - August

    Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calender. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.

How do people greet each other in Malaysia?

A handshake is used between men, while women and elderly people seldom shake hands but may offer verbal greetings.

Do

  • Give a slight bow or nod when greeting an older person
  • Use both hands to grasp a close male friend's hand
  • Exchange business cards after an introduction

Good to know

  • Malaysia has Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, each with its own customs

What are the dining customs in Malaysia?

Eating customs differ among ethnic groups; Malays and Indians eat with their hands and with spoons, and a wide variety of foods are eaten due to Malaysia's cultural diversity.

Do

  • Expect rice as the staple and fish as the main protein
  • Be prepared for spiced foods such as hot peppers (chillies)

Don’t

  • Do not offer pork or alcohol to Muslims
  • Do not offer beef to Hindus or some Buddhists

Good to know

  • Tipping is not generally expected in restaurants because service is usually included in the bill

What should I know about visiting and hospitality etiquette in Malaysia?

Visiting relatives and friends is important, and dropping by without prior arrangement is common.

Do

  • Remove your shoes when entering a home

Good to know

  • When invited, you are generally not expected to arrive on time; punctuality is not important

How should I dress in Malaysia?

Most people wear Western-style clothing, though traditional clothing or a combination of Western and traditional styles is also worn.

Good to know

  • Traditional costumes such as headdresses, wraparound skirts, jackets, tunics, and sashes vary by region and ethnic group, often with intricate designs

Which gestures matter in Malaysia?

Gestures carry specific meanings, and several actions involving the feet and left hand should be avoided.

Do

  • Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm facing down
  • Cover your mouth when yawning or using a toothpick
  • Give a slight bow when leaving, entering, or passing a group as a nonverbal 'excuse me'

Don’t

  • Do not use individual fingers for gesturing
  • Do not move objects with your feet or point the sole of your foot at another person
  • Do not pass objects with your left hand
  • Do not stand on or touch a Muslim's prayer rug with your feet

Good to know

  • Standing with your hands on your hips is a sign of anger

What is family life like in Malaysia?

The family system is traditionally the most important social unit, and it is common for two or more generations to live together.

Good to know

  • Young people respect their elders
  • In urban areas, nuclear families are common, with extended family living nearby but not in the same house

What do people do for recreation in Malaysia?

Popular activities include Silat (Malay martial art), Sepak Takraw, and Wayang Kulit shadow play.

Good to know

  • Silat is a stylized self-defense art resembling a dance, often accompanied by drumming and associated with Islam
  • Sepak Takraw players keep a rattan ball in the air using feet, legs, shoulders, and heads but not hands
  • Wayang Kulit uses back-lit buffalo-hide puppets depicting characters from the Ramayana or Mahabharatta

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Malaysia

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
ringgit (MYR)
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The weather in Kuala Lumpur varies little throughout the year. Daily minimum and maximum temperatures remain fairly constant averaging 27°C (80°F) and 38°C (100°F). With the heat, there is high humidity as the average annual rainfall is 250 centimeters. Although Kuala Lumpur is not subject to typhoons or cyclones, brief rainy seasons occur each year and bring scattered flooding. About 1-2 months of relatively dry weather usually precede the rainy seasons, although afternoon and evening thundershowers occur regularly throughout the year. The east coast and East Malaysia experience longer rainy seasons, and more widespread flooding as a result.
Airports
117
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Satay

Main Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Kingdoms

    700 – 1400

    The Buddhist maritime empire of Srivijaya, centered at Palembang in Sumatra, dominated the Malay Peninsula from roughly the 9th to 13th centuries, controlling vital trade straits and spreading Indianized culture. The Hindu Javanese empire of Majapahit subsequently extended its influence over the peninsula in the 14th century. Islam began penetrating the region during this transitional period, laying the groundwork for a new political order.

  2. Malacca Sultanate

    1400 – 1511

    The founding of Malacca around 1400 by Parameswara, a Sumatran exile, inaugurated the most celebrated era of indigenous Malay statecraft. Malacca became one of Asia's foremost entrepôts, drawing Chinese, Arab, Indian, and Malay merchants, and its rulers formally adopted Islam, making it the primary conduit for the religion's spread across the archipelago. At its height, the Sultanate's influence extended across much of the peninsula and parts of Sumatra.

  3. European Colonial Era

    1511 – 1824

    Portugal's conquest of Malacca in 1511 inaugurated over three centuries of successive European competition for control of the peninsula's lucrative trade. The Dutch ousted the Portuguese in 1641, only to cede Malacca to Britain in 1824 via the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. Britain had already acquired Penang in 1786 and established Singapore in 1819, positioning itself as the dominant power in the region.

  4. British Malaya

    1824 – 1942

    Britain consolidated its hold through the Straits Settlements (1826) and progressively extended protectorates over the Malay sultanates, formalizing four of them as the Federated Malay States in 1895. Colonial administration developed large-scale rubber and tin industries, transforming the economy and drawing significant Chinese and Indian immigrant labor. This era also saw rising nationalist consciousness, though formal British dominance remained intact until World War II.

  5. Japanese Occupation

    1942 – 1945

    Imperial Japan swept through Malaya with stunning speed in late 1941 and early 1942, capturing Singapore in February 1942 in what Churchill called the worst British military disaster in history. The occupation lasted until Japan's defeat in August 1945 and was marked by harsh repression, particularly against the Chinese community. The experience severely undermined British colonial prestige and dramatically accelerated popular demands for self-governance.

  6. Independence & Modern Malaysia

    1945 – present

    Following the return of British rule, a communist insurgency and the 1948 Emergency challenged stability even as Malaya negotiated independence in 1957 under Tunku Abdul Rahman. Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, uniting Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah, though Singapore separated in 1965. The nation subsequently navigated racial tensions, rapid industrialization, and sustained economic growth to emerge as one of Southeast Asia's most developed states.

Overview

The early Buddhist Malay kingdom of Srivijaya, based at what is now Palembang, Sumatra, dominated much of the Malay peninsula from the 9th to the 13th centuries AD. The powerful Hindu kingdom of Majapahit, based on Java, gained control of the Malay peninsula in the 14th century. Conversion of the Malays to Islam, beginning in the early 14th century, accelerated with the rise of the state of Malacca under the rule of a Muslim prince in the 15th century.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1400

    Founding of Malacca by Parameswara, an exiled prince from Sumatra, Indonesia

    Founding of Malacca by Parameswara, an exiled prince from Sumatra, Indonesia.

  2. 1400 – 1450

    Foundation of the Sultanate of Brunei.

    Foundation of the Sultanate of Brunei.

  3. 1446

    Malacca becomes a Sultanate.

    Malacca becomes a Sultanate.

  4. 1509

    The first Portuguese arrive at Malacca.

    The first Portuguese arrive at Malacca.

  5. 1511

    Malacca is invaded and falls to the Portuguese.

    Malacca is invaded and falls to the Portuguese.

  6. 1641

    Dutch invade Malacca and take control from the Portuguese.

    Dutch invade Malacca and take control from the Portuguese.

  7. 1786

    Sir Francis Light lands in Penang. British acquire Penang from Sultan of Kedah.

    Sir Francis Light lands in Penang. British acquire Penang from Sultan of Kedah.

View full timeline (19 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they bury their tooth because it is a part of their body and needs to be returned to the earth.

  • The world's tallest habitable building is the Petronas Towers which is 1,483 feet tall. There are two 88 story towers with a 191 foot long sky bridge which connects them.

  • Of the many thousand species of insects found in Malaysia, one of the most interesting is the firefly. Along the Selangor River near Kuala Lumpur, thousands of fireflies flash at the same time, on and off like Christmas lights. Scientists cannot explain this phenomenon. Villagers used to put fireflies in bottles to serve as lamps.

  • In 1842, a British adventurer called James Brooke helped the Sultan of Brunei suppress a rebellion on the island of Borneo. The sultan rewarded Brooke by naming him the Rajah of Sarawak. James's successor as Rajah, Charles, had a son by a local woman. The son came to Canada in the 1880s and lived in Ontario until his death in 1953.

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Geography and Environment

Peninsular Malaysia extends south for 800 kilometers from Thailand’s Isthmus of Kra to Singapore and the Indonesian Archipelago. Sabah and Sarawak, the States of East Malaysia lie 600 kilometers to the east across the South China Sea. These two States, former British colonies on the northeast coast of Borneo, stretch for 1,000 kilometers to the southern islands of the Philippines. A central mountain range with peaks rising to 2,100 meters divides Peninsular Malaysia.
Terrain
coastal plains rising to hills and mountains
Climate
The weather in Kuala Lumpur varies little throughout the year. Daily minimum and maximum temperatures remain fairly constant averaging 27° C (80° F) and 38° C (100° F). With the heat, there is high humidity as the average annual rainfall is 250 centimeters. Although Kuala Lumpur is not subject to typhoons or cyclones, brief rainy seasons occur each year and bring scattered flooding. About 1-2 months of relatively dry weather usually precede the rainy seasons, although afternoon and evening thundershowers occur regularly throughout the year. The east coast and East Malaysia experience longer rainy seasons, and more widespread flooding as a result.
Natural Hazards
flooding, landslides, forest fires
Current Environmental Issues
air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese dialects (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai

  • Bahasa
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Cantonese
  • Iban
  • Kadazan
  • Malayalam
  • Mandarin
  • Panjabi
  • Tamil
  • Telugu
  • Thai

Population

Population
33,600,000
Population in Major Urban Areas
KUALA LUMPUR (capital) 1.556 million; Klang 1.19 million; Johor Bahru 1.045 million
Nationality Noun
Malaysian(s)
Ethnic Groups
Malay and other indigenous 58%, Chinese 24%, Indian 8%, others 10%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Malaysia reflects the country's substantial progress in healthcare infrastructure, public health policy, and overall standard of living over recent decades. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy in Malaysia stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is around 77 years, while male life expectancy averages closer to 72 to 73 years. These figures place Malaysia comfortably above the global average and rank it among the higher-performing nations in Southeast Asia. The improvement in life expectancy over the past several decades has been driven by a combination of factors, including expanded access to healthcare through both public and private systems, successful immunization programs, better maternal and child health services, and rising literacy rates that contribute to healthier lifestyle choices. Malaysia operates a dual-tier healthcare system in which the government provides heavily subsidized medical services through public hospitals and clinics, ensuring that even lower-income populations have access to essential care. This broad coverage has been instrumental in reducing infant mortality and controlling communicable diseases that historically weighed on life expectancy figures. Despite these gains, Malaysia faces emerging health challenges that may influence future trends. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity have become increasingly prevalent, particularly as rapid urbanization and changing dietary habits reshape daily life. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Asia, and this has become a significant public health concern that health authorities are actively working to address through national wellness campaigns and preventive care initiatives. Rural and indigenous communities, particularly those in states like Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, tend to have lower life expectancies compared to urban populations in Peninsular Malaysia, highlighting ongoing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes across different regions of the country. Overall, Malaysia's life expectancy trajectory reflects a nation that has made meaningful progress while continuing to grapple with the health challenges that accompany economic development and demographic change.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
intermediate

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Malaysia reflects the country's substantial progress in healthcare infrastructure, public health policy, and overall standard of living over recent decades. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy in Malaysia stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is around 77 years, while male life expectancy averages closer to 72 to 73 years. These figures place Malaysia comfortably above the global average and rank it among the higher-performing nations in Southeast Asia. The improvement in life expectancy over the past several decades has been driven by a combination of factors, including expanded access to healthcare through both public and private systems, successful immunization programs, better maternal and child health services, and rising literacy rates that contribute to healthier lifestyle choices. Malaysia operates a dual-tier healthcare system in which the government provides heavily subsidized medical services through public hospitals and clinics, ensuring that even lower-income populations have access to essential care. This broad coverage has been instrumental in reducing infant mortality and controlling communicable diseases that historically weighed on life expectancy figures. Despite these gains, Malaysia faces emerging health challenges that may influence future trends. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity have become increasingly prevalent, particularly as rapid urbanization and changing dietary habits reshape daily life. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Asia, and this has become a significant public health concern that health authorities are actively working to address through national wellness campaigns and preventive care initiatives. Rural and indigenous communities, particularly those in states like Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, tend to have lower life expectancies compared to urban populations in Peninsular Malaysia, highlighting ongoing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes across different regions of the country. Overall, Malaysia's life expectancy trajectory reflects a nation that has made meaningful progress while continuing to grapple with the health challenges that accompany economic development and demographic change.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Malaysia
Former Name
Federation of Malaysia

Government Structure

Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Legal System
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: Paramount Ruler (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) King Sultan IBRAHIM ibni Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor (since 31 January 2024) head of government: Prime Minister ANWAR Ibrahim (since 24 November 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament with consent of the paramount ruler elections: paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister election results: Sultan IBRAHIM ibni Sultan Iskandar elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, taking the oath of office on 31 January 2024; ANWAR Ibrahim appointed prime minister following the November 2022 general election after his Pakatan Harapan-led coalition secured enough support to form a unity government
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the paramount ruler, and 26 elected by the 13 state legislative assemblies) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms). Elections: House of Representatives - last held on 19 November 2022 (next must be held by 2027). Election results: House of Representatives - seats by party - Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition 82, Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition 73, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) 23, Barisan Nasional (BN) 30, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) 6, other and independents 8. Following the election, Pakatan Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim was appointed Prime Minister and formed a unity government coalition.
Judicial Branch
Federal Court (judges appointed by the paramount ruler on the advice of the prime minister)
Suffrage
21 years of age; universal
Constitution
31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963
Independence
31 August 1957 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Capital City

Capital Name
Kuala Lumpur; note - nearby Putrajaya is referred to as a federal government administrative center but not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur
Capital - geographic coordinate
3 10 N, 101 42 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the Malay word for "river junction or estuary" is kuala and lumpur means "mud"; together the words render the meaning of "muddy confluence"

Military

Branches: Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur

376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur.

P.O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur.

Emergency after-hours telephone: (60-3) 2168-5000 (after business hours, please press 1 at the recording).

The American Citizen services unit's telephone number: (60-3) 2168-4997/4979

Consular section's fax number: (60-3) 2148-5801.

General fax number: (60-3) 2142-2207.

E-mail - klacs@state.gov.

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Economy

Malaysia, an upper-middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into a diversified, multi-sector economy and is now one of Southeast Asia's largest economies.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$122,000,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.8%
Gini Index
49.2
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

The weather in Kuala Lumpur varies little throughout the year. Daily minimum and maximum temperatures remain fairly constant averaging 27°C (80°F) and 38°C (100°F). With the heat, there is high humidity as the average annual rainfall is 250 centimeters.

Although Kuala Lumpur is not subject to typhoons or cyclones, brief rainy seasons occur each year and bring scattered flooding. About 1-2 months of relatively dry weather usually precede the rainy seasons, although afternoon and evening thundershowers occur regularly throughout the year. The east coast and East Malaysia experience longer rainy seasons, and more widespread flooding as a result.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Malaysia?
The population of Malaysia is approximately 33.6M.
How do people greet each other in Malaysia?
A handshake is used between men, while women and elderly people seldom shake hands but may offer verbal greetings. Do: Give a slight bow or nod when greeting an older person Use both hands to grasp a close male friend's hand Exchange business cards after an introduction Malaysia has Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, each with its own customs
What are the dining customs in Malaysia?
Eating customs differ among ethnic groups; Malays and Indians eat with their hands and with spoons, and a wide variety of foods are eaten due to Malaysia's cultural diversity. Do: Expect rice as the staple and fish as the main protein Be prepared for spiced foods such as hot peppers (chillies) Don't: Do not offer pork or alcohol to Muslims Do not offer beef to Hindus or some Buddhists Tipping is not generally expected in restaurants because service is usually included in the bill
What should I know about visiting and hospitality etiquette in Malaysia?
Visiting relatives and friends is important, and dropping by without prior arrangement is common. Do: Remove your shoes when entering a home When invited, you are generally not expected to arrive on time; punctuality is not important
How should I dress in Malaysia?
Most people wear Western-style clothing, though traditional clothing or a combination of Western and traditional styles is also worn. Traditional costumes such as headdresses, wraparound skirts, jackets, tunics, and sashes vary by region and ethnic group, often with intricate designs
Which gestures matter in Malaysia?
Gestures carry specific meanings, and several actions involving the feet and left hand should be avoided. Do: Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm facing down Cover your mouth when yawning or using a toothpick Give a slight bow when leaving, entering, or passing a group as a nonverbal 'excuse me' Don't: Do not use individual fingers for gesturing Do not move objects with your feet or point the sole of your foot at another person Do not pass objects with your left hand Do not stand on or touch a Muslim's prayer rug with your feet Standing with your hands on your hips is a sign of anger
What is family life like in Malaysia?
The family system is traditionally the most important social unit, and it is common for two or more generations to live together. Young people respect their elders In urban areas, nuclear families are common, with extended family living nearby but not in the same house
What do people do for recreation in Malaysia?
Popular activities include Silat (Malay martial art), Sepak Takraw, and Wayang Kulit shadow play. Silat is a stylized self-defense art resembling a dance, often accompanied by drumming and associated with Islam Sepak Takraw players keep a rattan ball in the air using feet, legs, shoulders, and heads but not hands Wayang Kulit uses back-lit buffalo-hide puppets depicting characters from the Ramayana or Mahabharatta
What is the capital of Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city of Malaysia, serving as the seat of Parliament and the country's primary commercial and cultural hub. Nearby Putrajaya functions as the federal government's administrative center, housing most ministries and the prime minister's office, though it does not hold official capital status. Kuala Lumpur's skyline is dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of 88-story skyscrapers rising 1,483 feet and connected by a 191-foot sky bridge, long recognized among the world's most distinctive architectural landmarks.
Where is Malaysia located?
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, split between two distinct landmasses separated by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia extends southward from mainland Southeast Asia, sharing a border with Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. East Malaysia, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak, occupies the northern coast of the island of Borneo. The country was formed in 1963 through a federation of former British colonies, and Singapore subsequently seceded from the federation in 1965.
What countries border Malaysia?
Malaysia shares land borders with three countries. Thailand borders Peninsular Malaysia to the north, while Singapore lies immediately to the south, connected by causeways across the Johor Strait. On the island of Borneo, East Malaysia shares borders with Indonesia to the south and surrounds the small sovereign nation of Brunei within the state of Sarawak. Malaysia's extensive coastlines also face the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and the Celebes Sea.
What is the main religion practiced in Malaysia?
Islam is the dominant religion in Malaysia, practiced by approximately 64 percent of the population and recognized as the official religion of the federation. Buddhism is the second most widely practiced faith, observed by around 19 percent of the population, largely within the ethnic Chinese community. Christianity accounts for roughly 9 percent of adherents, with significant concentrations in East Malaysia's Sabah and Sarawak states. The country's multicultural religious landscape is reflected in its many mosques, temples, and churches coexisting across its cities and towns.
What is the currency of Malaysia?
The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit, designated by the ISO code MYR and subdivided into 100 sen. The ringgit is issued and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia, the country's central bank, which was established following independence to manage monetary policy and financial stability. The currency's name derives from the Malay word for "jagged," historically referencing the milled edges of Spanish silver dollars that once circulated widely across the region.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia?
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the sole official language of Malaysia and serves as the national lingua franca across the country's diverse ethnic communities. English is widely used in business, education, and government, reflecting the country's colonial history as a former British territory. Chinese dialects — including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Hakka — are commonly spoken within the substantial ethnic Chinese population, while Tamil and other South Indian languages are used among the Indian community. This multilingual character means many Malaysians speak three or more languages fluently.
What is Malaysia known for?
Malaysia is known for its extraordinarily diverse cuisine — including dishes such as nasi lemak, char kway teow, and roti canai — shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous culinary traditions. The country is one of the world's leading exporters of palm oil and natural rubber, and its rainforests on Borneo rank among the oldest and most biodiverse on Earth. Culturally, Malaysia is recognized for its Petronas Twin Towers, the vibrant Hindu festival of Thaipusam, and the unique firefly colonies along the Selangor River, where thousands of fireflies synchronize their flashing in a phenomenon scientists have yet to fully explain.
What type of government does Malaysia have?
Malaysia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a ceremonial king — the Yang di-Pertuan Agong — selected on a rotating basis every five years from among the hereditary rulers of the nine Peninsular Malaysian states that maintain royal houses. Executive power rests with a prime minister and cabinet accountable to an elected Parliament, which convenes in Kuala Lumpur. The states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia retain special constitutional prerogatives under the terms of federation, including the right to maintain their own immigration controls, distinguishing them from the Peninsular states.

Last reviewed 2026

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